I'd love to be on a roller derby team but I have terrible knees. And I can't rollerskate. But I have the bloodlust! And really, I think that's the most important thing.

Wait, fs -- you couldn't tell from the constant sneer?

I'd love to come watch 'em - Mats is always telling me about it. Let's go!

Just as a note of historic interest, here's a Quicktime trailer for the documentary about an old roller derby queen (from the LAST era).

Day-glo hair, tattoos, piercings, potty mouth, bizarre skin tone, fluorescent lipstick, and a hostile skating style were the trademarks of Ann "Banana Nose" Calvello.

leejay, you must be feeling much better. excellent! (i missed the "get well soon, leejay" thread.. this is a good time to add my own hug).

I once wooed a girl by finding her a copy of this film when it was out of print.

Thanks for the Calvello link, reflecked.

I used to watch the Roller Derby on Saturday afternoons back in the days of the San Francisco Bay Bombers. The rules were incomprehensible but the action was pretty much non-stop so it didn't really matter. I was surprised this has had a revival, but so much for my finger on the pulse of popular sentiment.

The modern Rollergirls seem better looking that the ones I remember, but I had a B&W TV in those days, so...

yeah i used to watch them on tv too! I don't remember if it's the SF bombers though. But I do remember channel surfing, pausing on the roller derby, about to change the channel, then I see a hard elbow into some girl's face.

been a fan ever since I suppose!

LT, lemme know if you go.

Rollergirls rock!!!

Grave Danger Rulezzzz, dudes!!!
This is my friend on the Danger: Edie Brickwall

Throttle Rockets are galactic scum! Valtron 3000 once gave me the greatest shootdown (uncalled for, mind you) that just made me laugh and whimper: I was at an after-bout party last year, standing in line for booze. Right in front of me was Valtron. I'm just standing there...wearing a Derby Liberation shirt (they were the only team at the time with shirts big enough to fit me) and innocently minding my own bizness. She turns around, gives me this look up and down, cooly looks at me and sez "Too bad you're wearing the wrong shirt" and turns away. I could've cried.

Ahem...

Yes, the roller derby is truly fun. All the showbiz stuff is hilarious: the names, mascots, etc., and makes for a great time. And once they start rolling in the bouts, the sport itself really is purty durn fun and interesting to figure out; they get some serious speed and whompin' goin' on out there. There are some amazing skaters and seeing one shoot through the teeniest of spaces between two large skaters trying to crunch her just makes your jaw drop.

Definitely we should meet up. Me and some other folk (including 'Tilda) already have tix for the June 24th bout. If you don't have tickets yet, get 'em soon, they sell out quick. LT, I might have an extra, but don't know for sure yet -- you should get a hold of one soon just to be safe.

Sweet! Awesome story, i'll have to tell Val that one!

Yes, emily and I are going to the 24th bout as well. I know for sure I'll be at the beer garden at some point! We'll have to establish a meeting place. I've never met any Me* filter people yet IRL!

Anybody who is going is free to email me to make plans and stuff. I know Valtron and her bf usually go out afterwards, but I'm down for anything.

I'm so excited! I wish I had a really nice digital camera now, but I'm still taking tons of pics.

LeeJay, I feel your pain. A couple of friends of mine are in the Terminal City Rollergirls and asked me to join. Not having skated for (mumble mumble) years was no problem--they just figured I could kick serious ass. Heh. Unfortunately, I have a terrible back, which would not withstand many falls on hard concrete. So I wept, and will now watch from the sidelines.

Elizard all gussied up on skates? Delicious.

werd

LeeJay, I feel your pain. A couple of friends of mine are in the Terminal City Rollergirls and asked me to join. Not having skated for (mumble mumble) years was no problem--they just figured I could kick serious ass. Heh. Unfortunately, I have a terrible back, which would not withstand many falls on hard concrete. So I wept, and will now watch from the sidelines.

Maybe we could start some sort of bloodsport for old and decrepit folks. Like Spectator Derby or something. Also, I am so very jealous of you!!